Faster Thai farm exports to China among ASEAN trade priorities
At the 49th ASEAN Summit in Manila, Thailand plans to sign a regional digital economy agreement and discuss trade upgrades with China and ASEAN partners.
Thailand is preparing to sign a landmark regional digital economy agreement and advance measures to reduce trade barriers with China and other ASEAN countries at the 49th ASEAN Summit in Manila, Philippines, from 15–17 November 2026.
Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Suphajee Suthumpun, who oversees Thailand’s responsibilities under the ASEAN Economic Community pillar, is scheduled to accompany the prime minister to the summit.
The programme includes meetings between ASEAN leaders and major dialogue partners, including China, Japan, Australia, South Korea, India and the United States.
Suphajee indicated that 31 economic cooperation outcomes would be presented to ASEAN leaders, with particular emphasis on digital trade integration, streamlined customs procedures and improvements to regional supply chains.
ASEAN digital agreement to reduce business costs
A central priority will be the signing of the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA), which is intended to establish common rules and standards for digital economic activities across member countries.
Described as the world's first comprehensive regional digital economy agreement, DEFA aims to reduce barriers to digital trade, promote international standards and improve compatibility between national digital systems.
Its provisions cover paperless trade, electronic payments and digital identity verification, allowing businesses and consumers to use digital services more efficiently across borders.
The framework is expected to simplify commercial procedures, lower operating costs and expand market access for businesses throughout Southeast Asia.
Micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) are expected to benefit particularly from easier access to digital services and fewer administrative obstacles when entering other ASEAN markets.
ASEAN–China trade upgrade targets faster customs clearance
Suphajee will also attend the 29th ASEAN–China Summit, where discussions will focus on implementing the upgraded ASEAN–China Free Trade Area agreement, known as ACFTA 3.0.
The revised agreement is expected to take effect on 1 December 2026, subject to the necessary implementation procedures.
A significant provision involves improving customs processes to enable perishable goods to be cleared within six hours.
The measure is expected to benefit Thai exporters of fruit and other agricultural products by shortening clearance times, reducing the risk of delays and limiting deterioration in product quality.
The agreement also aims to strengthen economic cooperation between ASEAN and China through measures supporting investment and environmentally friendly industries.
Additional provisions are designed to give MSMEs easier access to trade regulations and related information.
Greater transparency and better access to regulatory requirements are expected to reduce information-related costs and help businesses plan trade and investment activities more effectively.
ASEAN goods trade agreement targets earlier implementation
Another priority is the upgraded ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement (ATIGA), which seeks to simplify trade procedures and remove obstacles to the movement of goods between member countries.
ASEAN is working towards bringing the revised agreement into effect by the end of 2026, ahead of the original mid-2027 timetable.
The upgraded framework is intended to improve trade facilitation, reduce unnecessary procedures and encourage greater use of digital technology in cross-border transactions.
These changes are expected to make goods movement within ASEAN faster, more transparent and more efficient, while reducing costs for businesses, particularly MSMEs.
The agreement also places greater emphasis on maintaining trade flows and access to essential goods during emergencies.
By strengthening supply chain resilience, the revised rules are intended to help ASEAN economies respond more effectively to future disruptions and economic challenges.
Together, the three agreements form part of efforts to deepen regional economic integration, improve the operating environment for businesses and expand trade opportunities within ASEAN and with China.
